When tens of thousands of people gather on the same area, formation of waste cannot be avoided. Waste management, however, can be affected. Like in previous years, recycling is strongly present also in Louna-Jukola.
– We have three large recycle points with bins for energy, organic, cardboard, plastic, metal and glass waste as well as for office paper, says Johanna Ruusunen, in charge of waste management in Louna-Jukola.
– In addition, there will be separate recycle bins at suitable places. For example, a bin for organic waste by the restaurant and a bin for office paper in the media area, she adds.
In previous years, the total amount of waste from Jukola has been a bit over 30,000 kilos, the majority of which, about two thirds, has been combustible mixed waste.
In charge of Louna-Jukola’s waste management is Ekokem, a Finnish environmental management company. The 700-employee company also acts as the “host” of the last leg in Venla relay. Another partner of Louna-Jukola is Rouskis, the waste management company of the municipalities in Salo and Paimio regions.
Ekokem has not been a cooperation partner in an event similar to Jukola Relay.
– We see Jukola as a great and positive event, into which we can bring our know-how in environmental management services. We also have other projects in the nearby region, and this way we can let people know about our know-how also locally, says Virpi Mäenanttila, the Communications Manager of Ekokem.
Ekokem delivers recycle bins as well as presses for cardboard, organic and mixed waste in the area. Volunteers will empty bins continuously, and the waste can be compacted with the presses.
Normal weight for mixed waste is 40 kilos per cubic meter, but by pressing the same volume may fit over 300 kilos. The “cubes” are then collected after the event and delivered to combustion and recycling.
– According to the final reports of previous Jukola Relays, waste sorting has been challenging at times and hasn’t worked as well as it should. We strive to improve it this year, says Johanna Ruusunen.
